Which of the following MAO inhibitors is characterized by its reversible and selective inhibition of MAO-A, leading to a lower risk of tyramine-induced hypertensive crisis compared to older, irreversible MAOIs?

Explanation

Moclobemide is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (RIMA). Its reversible and selective action on MAO-A means that if a patient ingests tyramine, the tyramine can displace moclobemide from the enzyme, allowing MAO-A to metabolize tyramine and thus significantly reducing the risk of a hypertensive crisis compared to irreversible MAOIs like phenelzine and tranylcypromine. While selegiline at low oral doses is selective for MAO-B, at higher doses, it loses selectivity and can inhibit MAO-A, requiring dietary restrictions. Transdermal selegiline (patch) also has a lower risk of tyramine crisis at lower doses.